By Cheryl L. Dejewski
September is “Healthy Aging Month,” and the American Academy of
Ophthalmology reminds Americans with no signs or risk factors for
eye disease of the importance of getting a baseline screening at age
40—the time when early signs of disease and changes in vision may
start to occur. By 2020, it is estimated that 43 million Americans
will face significant vision loss or blindness from age-related eye
diseases, such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and
macular degeneration.

The doctors at Eye Care Specialists, one of
Wisconsin’s leading ophthalmology practices, offer insights into how
some of these eye conditions are more likely to impact women and
their overall health, safety, and freedom to see life to the
fullest.
Decreased vision in women has been linked to an increased risk of
falling, which often causes more serious concerns, including hip
fractures, the need for canes, walkers and/or nursing home care, and
complication-related death. Decreased vision also increases the risk
of car accidents and can have a devastating effect on quality of
life in terms of limiting daily task performance, independence,
social interaction, and other factors.

“Poor vision, however,
is not a fact of life as you grow older. If your vision is getting
worse, and new glasses don’t seem to do the trick, you need to
schedule a comprehensive, dilated eye exam to rule out possible
causes,” advises Brett Rhode, MD, Head of Ophthalmology at Aurora
Sinai Medical Center and private practitioner at Eye Care
Specialists’ downtown Milwaukee and West Allis locations. “Upon
examination, we often find that cataracts (age-related clouding of
the natural lens inside the eye) are the cause of the problem and,
in most cases, surgical removal and replacement with a customized
lens implant is a relatively easy and painless solution.” Rhode
stresses, “Since cataracts are a primary but reversible cause of
diminished vision, early detection and removal can prevent needless
pain, suffering and cost. I can’t tell you how many cataract
patients say that the only issue they have with the surgery (which
only takes about 10-20 minutes at our outpatient surgery center), is
that they wish they had done it sooner.”
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is another leading cause of
vision impairment in Americans over age 50, and although the exact
cause is unknown, it affects more women than men. AMD is a condition
in which the macula, a highly sensitive area of the retina
responsible for central and detail vision (about the size of this
“O”), is damaged. There are two forms of AMD—wet and dry. Both cause
loss of central or straight-ahead vision, impacting the ability to
drive, read, see faces, etc.

Mark Freedman, MD, an ophthalmologist with 27 years of experience
and a continuing education lecturer for southeastern Wisconsin eye
and health care professionals, explains, “Dry AMD usually does not
result in rapid vision loss, and many patients retain good sight
throughout their lives. Wet AMD, however, tends to cause a rapid and
profound loss of sharp central vision, which may result in legal
(less than 20/200 vision), but not total (because some side vision
remains) blindness. Without treatment, about 70 percent of wet AMD
patients become legally blind within two years. If dry AMD is
diagnosed, we may recommend vitamin supplements, healthy omega fatty
acid intake, sun protection, and avoidance of smoking, as measures
to prevent or slow progression. When needed, we also educate
patients about low vision aids (like magnifiers) and
support/transport services to help them stay independent and
productive. If wet AMD is diagnosed, we review the risks, benefits
and candidacy for Avastin or Eylea medication injections, which
inhibit the growth of the abnormal blood vessels that cause wet
AMD.” Freedman, who has treated thousands of AMD patients, reports,
“Although there are NO guarantees, we have seen remarkable results
with these medications. With regular injections (about every month
or so), we have been able to stop the progression of wet AMD in 90
percent of our patients, and even had up to 30 percent gain
improvement in vision.” (Injection treatment is also successfully
used to control diabetes-related vision damage.)

“Dry scratchy, irritated eyes are a common problem, affecting people
of all ages, especially women over age 40. The most frequent cause
is the natural decrease in tear production that occurs with aging,”
notes Daniel Paskowitz, MD, PhD, an ophthalmologist with credentials
from both Harvard and Johns Hopkins. Dry eyes can also be related to
rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, Parkinson’s disease,
chemical burns, thyroid disease, eyelid position or closure
problems, and prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Hormonal
changes—as with pregnancy, menopause and hormone replacement
therapy—may also cause dry eyes. For most people, dry eye disease is
uncomfortable but not vision-threatening. Sometimes, however, a
faulty or diminished tear film can affect the cornea’s focusing
ability and increase the risk of eye infections. “Dry eyes are
usually a life-long condition that can be controlled, but rarely
cured. If frequent use of artificial tears does not halt discomfort,
you may be a candidate for two other options: a five-minute office
procedure that places tiny silicone plugs into the drain openings at
the corner of the eye to eliminate tear loss and retain moisture; or
a prescription eye drop called Restasis™ that attacks the underlying
inflammation behind dry eye disease,” explains eye care specialist
Michael Raciti, MD. He adds, “Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to your
gynecologist, doctor, and/or eye care specialist if you think HRT or
other medications or conditions are affecting your vision. They can
evaluate and address your concerns so that you can experience tears
of joy rather than pain.”

Daniel Ferguson, MD, a
corneal specialist, surgeon and partner at Eye Care Specialists
ophthalmology practice, has helped countless patients overcome eye
infections, abrasions and injuries. “It’s rewarding to help someone
resharpen their focus. What’s frustrating, however, is if the
problem didn’t have to happen in the first place. For example, I’ll
see men with minor to serious eye injuries because they did not wear
proper eye protection when doing sports, hobbies or handyman
projects. A simple pair of safety glasses or goggles could have
saved them time, money and suffering. But, for women, I’ll sometimes
see vision-threatening issues caused by something you may not expect
. . . cosmetics. “Many eye makeup-related dangers (like infections
and abrasions) can be avoided by following simple common sense
precautions. One analogy I like to use is that you most likely
wouldn’t want to shake someone’s hand after watching them sneeze
into it, so why would you want to take their mascara wand or eye
shadow and wipe the same bacteria around your eye?” In addition to
the “no-sharing” rule, Ferguson recommends following safe storage,
use and replacement precautions for eye makeup. This includes always
washing your hands prior to application, insisting on the use of
disposable applicators when trying makeup at a store or salon, never
sleeping in makeup, never putting mascara on while driving, keeping
makeup containers out of the sun and heat, carrying makeup in
frequently replaced plastic zip lock bags, and discarding any
product that causes an allergic reaction or infection.

How can women protect their vision to maintain independence and
quality of life? “Scheduling regular comprehensive dilated eye exams
is the best way to protect your health, safety, and freedom to see,
drive, cook, read, shop, visit, and enjoy life to the fullest,”
advises
Dr. David Scheidt, past president of the Wisconsin Optometric
Association. “During your appointment, ask your eye care specialist
to review the risks and benefits of any applicable prevention and/or
treatment options, including vision-related nutritional supplements.
You should also be proactive in protecting your vision by always
wearing sunglasses and hats with brims, avoiding smoking, and
maintaining a healthy diet low in saturated fats and high in Omega
3s.”

FREE Booklets & Information
Eye Care Specialists’ doctors are dedicated to the diagnosis and
treatment of cataracts, glaucoma, AMD, and diabetic and dry eye
disease. Call 414-321-7035 for FREE copies of their booklets on
these conditions or to schedule an appointment for a thorough eye
screening (usually covered by insurance or Medicare) at their
offices on 7th & Wisconsin Avenue, Mayfair Road across from the
mall, or 102nd & National Ave. They also offer information at
www.eyecarespecialists.net.

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